People automatically assume that whisky and cigars are a natural pairing. I don't think so. For instance, a few years back wine writer James Suckling suggested that perhaps champagne is a better match, especially when it comes to Havanas and subtle non-Cuban cigars. He was right, and we haven't looked back since.

But when it comes to stronger smokes, nothing beats the back-to-back wallop of 90-proof whisky and a big nicotine blast. It's not something we necessarily enjoy on a regular basis and certainly not for the uninitiated. However, when you find a whisky that not only stands up to, but also compliments, your strongest cigars, the results can be sublime.

Tobermory 15 is good stuff and up to the task. Finding it can be a challenge but at less than $150 per bottle, it's not horrifically expensive. Since you'll be enjoying just an ounce or two at a time, it's a heck of a value in terms of enjoyment per dollar. It's lovely to look at, taste and smell. It even comes packed in a cool wooden box that hopefully you will find a use for after the bottle is long gone.

Back to why high-alcohol drinks and strong cigars are a good match from a practical perspective. Nicotine is a necessary evil when it comes to cigars. Some people enjoy a good buzz, while I just tend to get sick. I used to enjoy a good game of Russian cigar roulette, picking out an unfamiliar smoke and rolling the dice on whether it would put me on my back or not. Not anymore. I've had enough of those kinds of thrills.

Nope, the nice thing about an ounce or two of whisky is that it tends to sooth the very same nerves that an abundance of nicotine can rub raw. It's also what led drug addicts to combine cocaine and heroin, with sometimes unfortunate results. Moderation is key in everything.

Tobermory 15 looks great in a glass, with its deep brown mahogany color. Yet it's fruity on the nose, with the expected bit of smokiness and spice. Oak and pepper and coffee cake combine with baking spices and pepper on the palate. The finish is long. As the sweet elements fade, they leave behind elemental wood and smoke., priming your palate for another blast of sweetness in the next sip. It's a darn fine ride.

There are only a few Havanas I'd consider pairing this with. Juan Lopez for sure. Maybe Bolivar or a Romeo y Julieta Cazadores. Cohiba Maduro, too. Other than that, stick to non-Cubans. Padron 1926 in particular smokes a lot like this Tobermory drinks. But basically any stronger, richer, chewier cigar you enjoy should be satisfying. I has a particularly nice experience with an aged (and long out of production) Perdomo Sun Grown Epicure.

Tobermory 15 and a nice, rich cigar are ideal for heady afternoon of enjoyment.